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On the JJ Barnes Blog, as I face sweaty, muggy and sleepless nights, I seek out top advice to keep your home cool so we can all try and feel more comfortable in the summer heat.
With temperatures soaring and humidity levels rising, the pursuit of a cool and comfortable home becomes a daily quest. Endless nights tossing and turning, drenched in sweat, and the constant battle against sticky skin have become the unfortunate hallmarks of summer. But fear not, for relief is on the horizon.
In this guide, with the help of experts at Rainbow Rubbish, I’ll explore a range of practical tips and tricks to transform your home into a refreshing oasis, ensuring you can enjoy the summer without breaking a sweat.
Top Advice To Keep Your Home Cool
Clean and Declutter
Decluttering your home isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s a practical step towards a cooler, more comfortable living space. Surrounded by excess, your home becomes a heat trap. Unwanted items act like tiny space heaters, absorbing warmth and hindering airflow.
By decluttering, you’re not only creating a visually appealing environment but also optimizing your home’s ability to stay cool. Whether you choose to donate, sell, or discard unnecessary possessions, the rewards extend beyond a tidy space. Decluttering can also provide a sense of calm and focus, allowing you to truly relax and enjoy your summer.
Tackle Textiles: Fabrics like blankets, curtains, and upholstered furniture can trap heat. Consider swapping heavy blankets for lighter throws and opting for sheer curtains to allow more airflow.
Conquer the Clutter: Every item in your home absorbs and radiates heat. The fewer items you have, the less heat your home retains. Focus on decluttering areas that tend to accumulate clutter, like countertops, shelves, and floors.
Maximize Airflow: Clutter can obstruct airflow, preventing cool air from circulating effectively. By clearing pathways and creating open spaces, you allow air to move freely throughout your home.
Kitchen Liberation: The kitchen is often a clutter hotspot. Clear countertops of appliances and utensils, and declutter cupboards to improve ventilation with organised under sink storage.
Bedroom Bliss: A clutter-free bedroom is essential for restful sleep. Remove unnecessary items from your bedside table and under the bed to enhance airflow and create a calming atmosphere.
Remember, decluttering is a journey, not a destination. Start small and gradually work your way through your home. The rewards of a cooler, calmer living space are well worth the effort.
Cool Down Spaces with Plants
Indoor plants are more than just aesthetic enhancements; they’re nature’s very own air conditioning system. Through a process called transpiration, plants release excess water into the air, effectively cooling their surroundings. This natural cooling mechanism, combined with their air-purifying properties, makes them invaluable allies in the battle against summer heat.
From the low-maintenance snake plant to the elegant peace lily and the versatile aloe vera, there’s a perfect plant for every home. These green companions not only contribute to a cooler environment but also offer additional benefits such as improved air quality and reduced stress levels.
Strategic Placement: Position your plants strategically to optimize airflow. Place them near windows or open doors to enhance their cooling impact.
Embrace Variety: Different plants have varying transpiration rates. A combination of large-leaved plants like rubber plants and smaller, moisture-loving ferns can create a balanced cooling system.
Proper Care: Ensure your plants receive adequate water and sunlight to maintain optimal health and transpiration. A well-cared-for plant is a more efficient cooler.
Group Together: Clustering multiple plants together can amplify their cooling effect, creating a mini indoor oasis.
Consider Humidity: While plants add moisture to the air, excessive humidity can be uncomfortable. Monitor indoor humidity levels, consider a dehumidifier, and adjust plant placement accordingly.
By incorporating these tips, you can transform your home into a refreshing sanctuary, harnessing the natural cooling power of your indoor garden.
Sleep Better with Breathable Bedding
While swapping to a lighter duvet is a common strategy for beating the heat, the real game-changer might be lurking in your linen closet. Your duvet cover can significantly impact your sleep comfort, especially during the summer months.
Opting for breathable fabrics like cotton, bamboo, or linen is key to staying cool and comfortable. Cotton is a classic choice, known for its softness and moisture-wicking properties. Bamboo is another excellent option, offering breathability and temperature-regulating benefits. Linen, however, takes the crown for its exceptional cooling abilities. Naturally breathable, highly absorbent, and even antimicrobial, linen is the ultimate choice for hot summer nights.
By investing in a high-quality, breathable duvet cover, you’ll create a sleep sanctuary that helps you stay refreshed and rejuvenated throughout the night.
Prioritize Natural Fibers: Opt for bed linens made from breathable, natural materials like cotton, linen, or bamboo. These fabrics excel at moisture-wicking and airflow, keeping you cool and dry.
Consider Thread Count: While a high thread count often signifies luxury, it doesn’t necessarily equate to coolness. Opt for a medium thread count (around 200-400) for a balance of softness and breathability.
Embrace Lightweight Duvets: Swap your heavy winter duvet for a lighter summer alternative. Look for duvets with lower tog ratings (1-4.5 tog) for optimal temperature regulation.
Pillow Power: Choose pillows filled with natural materials like down or feather, or opt for a cooling gel pad for added comfort.
Wash Regularly: Regularly washing your bedding helps to remove sweat and bacteria, keeping your sleep environment fresh and hygienic.
By investing in the right bedding, you can create a sleep sanctuary that’s cool, comfortable, and conducive to restful nights.
Use Curtains and Blinds to Keep Heat Out
Your windows are often the culprits behind a sweltering home. A staggering 87% of heat gain occurs through glass, making window treatments essential for maintaining a cool indoor environment.
By closing blinds and curtains during peak sunlight hours, you create a formidable barrier against the sun’s heat. To maximize their effectiveness, consider investing in thermal curtains or blinds designed to reflect heat. These innovative options provide an extra layer of protection against soaring temperatures.
Remember, it’s not just about blocking sunlight. The right window treatments can also enhance your home’s aesthetics and privacy. So, while you’re focusing on staying cool, don’t compromise on style.
Timing is Everything: Close curtains and blinds during the hottest parts of the day to block out direct sunlight. This simple act can significantly reduce heat gain.
Layer Up: Combine sheer curtains with blackout blinds for maximum control. Sheer curtains offer privacy while allowing soft light to filter through, while blackout blinds provide effective heat insulation.
Embrace Light Colors: Opt for light-colored curtains as they reflect sunlight rather than absorbing it. Darker colors tend to trap heat.
Consider Thermal Fabrics: Invest in curtains and blinds made from thermal fabrics to enhance insulation. These materials create an additional barrier against heat transfer.
Nighttime Ventilation: Once the sun sets, open windows and curtains to allow cooler night air to circulate throughout your home.
By following these tips, you can transform your windows from heat traps to cooling powerhouses, creating a more comfortable living space during the summer months.
Replace Old Lightbulbs
Often overlooked, traditional incandescent light bulbs are surprising contributors to indoor heat. These inefficient bulbs convert only about 10% of energy into light, with the remaining 90% emitted as heat. This thermal output can significantly increase your home’s temperature, especially during the summer months.
Making the switch to LED bulbs is a game-changer. These energy-efficient alternatives generate significantly less heat, helping to keep your home cooler while also reducing your electricity bill. By investing in LED bulbs, you’re not only saving energy but also enhancing your overall comfort.
Opt for LED Bulbs: As previously mentioned, LED bulbs are the most energy-efficient option and generate minimal heat. They’re perfect for year-round use, but especially beneficial during the warmer months.
Consider CFL Bulbs: While not as efficient as LEDs, Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) produce less heat than traditional incandescent bulbs. They can be a more affordable alternative if budget is a concern.
Dim the Lights: When using any type of bulb, consider dimming the lights during warmer periods. Lower light intensity often correlates with less heat output.
Strategic Bulb Placement: Be mindful of where you place your lights. Avoid positioning them directly above seating areas or in high-traffic zones to minimize heat generation in those spaces.
By making informed choices about your light bulbs, you can contribute to a cooler, more energy-efficient home.
Conclusion
By implementing these cooling strategies throughout your home, you’ll be well-equipped to combat even the most scorching temperatures. Remember, small changes can make a big difference. By combining these tips and finding what works best for you, you can create a refreshing oasis within your own four walls.
So, whether you’re relaxing indoors or enjoying outdoor activities, you can do so with the peace of mind that your home is a cool and comfortable retreat from the summer heat.
Stay cool and enjoy the sunshine!
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